Prostate Cancer: Screening
(asked on 20th March 2026) - View Source
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to publish the methodology used by NHS England to calculate projected PET-CT activity volumes, including any assumptions relating to future demand growth and pathway developments in prostate cancer.
NHS England is responsible for commissioning prostate‑specific membrane antigen (PSMA) radiotracers for positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET‑CT) imaging for adults with high‑risk primary or recurrent prostate cancer. The commissioning policy, published in February 2025, sets out that PSMA PET‑CT should be available as a routinely commissioned imaging option within defined clinical criteria.
NHS England undertook an assessment of current service provision, clinical evidence, and projected demand. This included reviewing existing PET‑CT activity across regions to identify variation and to ensure that projected activity volumes for prostate cancer aligned with current patterns of use and expected regional need. NHS England also considered evidence on current provision and expert advice when determining its recommended commissioning position.
With respect to the modelling assumptions underpinning projected PSMA PET‑CT activity levels, NHS England’s assessment drew on a review of clinical evidence, expected diagnostic pathways, and forward‑looking estimates of the number of patients with high‑risk primary or recurrent prostate cancer who would meet the criteria for PSMA PET‑CT. The Clinical Panel and commissioning groups considered evidence on current provision, anticipated future utilisation, and the role of PSMA PET‑CT where conventional imaging leaves clinically important uncertainties. These assessments are reflected in the policy documentation and supporting evidence reviews published by NHS England.
The commissioning policy documents including the Clinical Panel report, Evidence Review, and associated materials, are publicly available on the NHS England website at the following link: